Oyo State governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), ‘Seyi Makinde, has said it is not true that the Federal Government gave each state N30 billion outside their statutory revenue allocations to address the current food insecurity challenges.
The governor was reacting on Thursday to a claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that each state of the federation got additional N30 billion to address the economic challenges facing the country.
He said Oyo State had not received such money from either the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or from the Federal Government.Makinde spoke while inaugurating the newly-renovated multi-billion naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji (SAN).
The governor lauded the religious harmony in the state, saying it was exemplary.
He said: “This is a very difficult period in our nation’s history because all of us are aware of what we are going through economically. But for us as an administration, I can say we are the first in Nigeria to announce and implement measures on June 9, 2023 to cushion the effect of this policy through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SafER).
“We have been doing our bit. And the reason I came here is for us to talk to ourselves and intensify prayers. So, this is one of the edifices through which we can reach God, though we have done our bit.
“We have health insurance for our people, we gave farm inputs to our farmers, but at this stage, we need to cry to God.
“For the workers, we have been paying a wage award: N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners, and we have paid for close to six months.
“Only last week, I announced an extension for another six months so that we can have the time to conclude the discussion on minimum wage.
“Well, we know there is much to be done and we will continue to do everything within our power to support our people through this hard time.
“This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions. But yesterday, I saw the video and read in the news where the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made a statement; though he said it was unverified report, stating that the state governments received additional N30 billion from the FIRS outside of our statutory allocation, in the last few months, to address food security.
“Please, listen to me loud and clear. I can speak for Oyo State and can also speak for any of my colleagues. This is because as the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I know when things are happening.
“If I wanted to play politics, I would keep quiet and let this slide. But I am not going to let this slide. The FIRS cannot give money to any state. It is not possible. All revenue accruing to the country goes into the Federation Account and it is distributed to all tiers of government. The Federal Government does not give states money. The money in the Federation Account belongs to all of us; it does not belong to the Federal Government alone.
“So, if the Senate President, who is the Number Three Citizen in this country, could be quoting an unverified report, people are looking at us as leaders. This is the period that we are supposed to give confidence to our people. It is not the period to start playing politics or to start looking for scapegoats.
“We need to engage with our people. If our policies are not working, we need to listen to the people and amend. So, if the Number Three Citizen had nothing but unverified report, why did he need to say it? Does his statement give confidence to the people or solve the problem of hunger and anger in the land?
“Let me say it clearly: as for Oyo State and for most of my colleagues, there is nothing like N30 billion being given to states for food security, and I stand to be challenged.
“Yes, the Federal Government promised the states N5 billion and, out of that, it only gave N2 billion and they are even asking that the N2 billion should be refunded right now.
“It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to manage the fiscal situation in Nigeria and manage the inflationary trend we have in the country right now.
“We have been transparent about everything we are doing here and this is the time for us to stay together as a nation to solve the problems we are facing. It is not the time to engage in blame games and propaganda. Hunger and anger are real and, as leaders, we must address them.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, National Assembly members, top state government officials and members of Oke Ogun Traditional Council.
